To consume cannabis legally in Canada, you should be aware of a few factors. This post lists these factors and acquaints you with the laws on weed in Canada.
Under the Cannabis Act, cannabis was made legal for medical and recreational purposes on 17th October 2018 across Canada. This legalization signalled a new perception of the drug, creating global waves.
To control the sale, possession, production, and distribution of cannabis across Canada, the Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework that:
- states to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth,
- keeps profits out of the pockets of criminals,
- and protects public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis.
This article outlines everything you need to know to experience Canada’s cannabis culture.
Legalization History of Cannabis in Canada
Cannabis was first legalized for medical use in 2001 in Canada. Justin Trudeau’s campaign primarily aimed to make recreational cannabis legal. When he became Prime Minister in 2015, a team of professionals, led by a former health and justice minister, was hired to put together research on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation.
Two years later, the Cannabis Act was passed in November 2017 by Canada’s House of Commons. In June 2018, it was passed by the Canadian Senate and then proceeded to the governor-general, approved by the Royal Assent.
What’s the Legal Cannabis Smoking Age in Canada?
Canada has legalized marijuana seeds, plants, flowers, and oils that you can apply topically or ingest. To buy, use, possess, or grow Cannabis in Canada, you must be 19 or older, although Quebec and Alberta have a minimum legal age of 18.
How Much Marijuana Can You Legally Buy in Canada?
Adults who are 18 or older, depending on their provincial state or territory, are allowed to carry, possess or share up to 30g of legal, dried, or equivalent in non-dry form cannabis in public. That would make around 60 to 75 pre-rolled joints.
Is Cannabis Legal Everywhere in Canada?
Although cannabis was made legal in Canada in 2018, you are not allowed to smoke cannabis publically in most parts of Canada. In public transit facilities, indoor public spaces, and at most workplaces, smoking cigarettes or cannabis is not allowed; this, however, varies between different provincial states.
Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia have allowed smoking cannabis in places where smoking cigarettes is allowed, except in places where children are present.
Can I Grow Cannabis at Home in Canada?
The Cannabis Act allows up to four cannabis plants, up to one meter tall, to be grown legally per household. The cannabis seeds have to be legally sourced. Furthermore, you cannot sell cannabis or cannabis-based products without a license.
Several provinces and territories have imposed additional limitations on the production of cannabis at home. New Brunswick allows only indoor growing and requires cultivation in a separate locked space. Moreover, Manitoba and Quebec don’t allow the cultivation of plants.
What Are the Rules Around Driving High on Cannabis?
Driving a car while consuming (smoking, vaping, or eating) cannabis is a criminal offense. It should be sealed and inaccessible to the drivers or passengers if transported by car. Furthermore, a maximum of four non-medical plants, not budding or flowering, can be transported by car.
So, if you are caught while driving high, you can face charges and end up in prison.
Is It Legal to Bring Cannabis from Canada to the US?
While nine states in the US allow the use of recreational cannabis, it is not allowed to bring cannabis from Canada to the US.
The possession, sale, production, and distribution of weed remain illegal under federal law in the US. You may face charges, arrest, or even denial of entry to the US if found carrying cannabis.
Where to Buy Legal Cannabis From? How to Identify Illegal Cannabis?
Since cannabis has been legalized across Canada, it is mostly sold in privately run dispensaries, government-run retail stores, or a hybrid. These usually have a seal displayed in the window to indicate that the Canadian government approves them.
These stores usually sell cannabis oil, beverages, capsules, pre-rolls, and accessories like rolling paper, lighters, pipes, or bongs.
While many people know where to buy legal cannabis products, buying legal cannabis seeds can be more challenging. Accessing legal weed seeds mostly depends on which provincial state you live in. If you cannot find a store having legal autoflower seeds or weed seeds, it’s worth checking out weed products at The Seed Fair – cannabis seeds for sale.
While cannabis is legal in Canada, illegal products are still being sold and consumed. You need to be able to recognize illegal products.
Illegal cannabis products may not have an excise stamp, the standard cannabis symbol, or a health warning. Additionally, an illegal product may claim to have more than 10mg of THC per package (for edibles), which is beyond the legal limit. Illegal products may also have multi-coloured packaging, similar to popular candy or snack food.
All of these are signs to look for to spot an illegal cannabis product. Knowing this will help you stay away from getting in trouble with the law.